AKG K712 for gaming. Yup, absolutely love it. It shatters the X1 as a competitive headphone and I think it has just enough of a fun factor still. BF3 and L4D2 were fantastic with it.

It could not replace the X1 for me because it's strengths, accuracy, timbre, realism and thin, analytical nature just do not work for me with certain songs or games (Heavy-handed action FPS' like Halo, Crysis, COD single player, games where you go around blasting things). I highly prefer the X1 out of my mixamp for console gaming, but I might need an amp there because the K712 loses some of the magic from my PC gaming. With PC gaming the SB Z is more than enough.

No magic can change the SQ of the Mixamp to Soundblaster Z levels. We need better devices.

So I'm getting a WiiU for Windwaker HD(sad?) and I've been reading about their cheapskate license fees are for suckers ass-backwards audio solution. Seems the only way to get surround sound from the Wii U to the Astro 5.8 is run it through a receiver with HDMI inputs and connect the Astro 5.8 it with the optical out on the receiver. I'm in the market for a receiver anyway and I'm kinda set on one with a optical output (Yamaha RX-A1030). This should work, right? (Buying a 1100 dollar receiver to get functionality out of a 300 dollar console lol)

So I'm getting a WiiU for Windwaker HD(sad?) and I've been reading about their cheapskate license fees are for suckers ass-backwards audio solution. Seems the only way to get surround sound from the Wii U to the Astro 5.8 is run it through a receiver with HDMI inputs and connect the Astro 5.8 it with the optical out on the receiver. I'm in the market for a receiver anyway and I'm kinda set on one with a optical output (Yamaha RX-A1030). This should work, right? (Buying a 1100 dollar receiver to get functionality out of a 300 dollar console lol)

Didn't I read somewhere that the Wii U only supports surround sound via LPCM? If that is the case, you will never be able to get proper audio to your mixamp to be decoded as it needs a DD signal. You could get a receiver that supports Dolby Headphone so that you would have surround emulation though.

So I'm getting a WiiU for Windwaker HD(sad?) and I've been reading about their cheapskate license fees are for suckers ass-backwards audio solution. Seems the only way to get surround sound from the Wii U to the Astro 5.8 is run it through a receiver with HDMI inputs and connect the Astro 5.8 it with the optical out on the receiver. I'm in the market for a receiver anyway and I'm kinda set on one with a optical output (Yamaha RX-A1030). This should work, right? (Buying a 1100 dollar receiver to get functionality out of a 300 dollar console lol)

So I'm getting a WiiU for Windwaker HD(sad?) and I've been reading about their cheapskate license fees are for suckers ass-backwards audio solution. Seems the only way to get surround sound from the Wii U to the Astro 5.8 is run it through a receiver with HDMI inputs and connect the Astro 5.8 it with the optical out on the receiver. I'm in the market for a receiver anyway and I'm kinda set on one with a optical output (Yamaha RX-A1030). This should work, right? (Buying a 1100 dollar receiver to get functionality out of a 300 dollar console lol)

I 2nd PurpleAngel's solution; Yamaha's included Silent Cinema vs Dolby Headphone is too close to call, obviously the receiver would allow more sound signature adjustments (and multiple inputs and remote control), you can also connect to speakers, etc etc. A mixamp would be redundant, unless you want it just for the wireless. What do you get out of the 1100 dollar receiver you couldn't get out of a mid-range receiver, regarding headphone usage? Just curious what is driving you to the top range.

Got my PX100-II. I really like them. Fuller sounding than the KSC35/Sportapro, and less grainy on the upper end. They're also very comfy and lightweight. For the purpose of work as something I can wear around the neck, these are solid. Comfort is about as good as the KSC35 with the Parts Express headband, with a more secure fit (I felt the PE headband was way too lose for me).

All in all, so good so far. It trades off some of the airiness in the 35s for more of a big headphone sound, so I find it a worthwhile compromise.

Like it much more than my PX200-II which was so sensitive to seal, and the pleather pads didn't get anything remotely close to a proper seal for me, so it always sounded tinny and trebly. Foam pads ftw.

I like the way Philips does things. I'm interested in hearing the L2. It sounds like a winner.

If the make an X2 with removable pads, a smidge less mid bass, and more sub bass.... well, that will be one hell of a winner in my book. The X1 is easily the most consumer friendly headphone I have ever owned. The got the sound signature almost perfect for the masses, the comfort is top notch, and the price makes them a steal.Edited by Mad Lust Envy - 9/18/13 at 4:35pm

I agree MLE. Soundwise to me the one-noty bass (and a bit lack of extension into the lows) and the mid-bass pronunciation are the only real deal breakers. If they get this right with a X2 I'd instantly get one. It would be the most complete open headphone up into even higher price ranges.

Got my PX100-II. I really like them. Fuller sounding than the KSC35/Sportapro, and less grainy on the upper end. They're also very comfy and lightweight. For the purpose of work as something I can wear around the neck, these are solid. Comfort is about as good as the KSC35 with the Parts Express headband, with a more secure fit (I felt the PE headband was way too lose for me).

All in all, so good so far. It trades off some of the airiness in the 35s for more of a big headphone sound, so I find it a worthwhile compromise.

Like it much more than my PX200-II which was so sensitive to seal, and the pleather pads didn't get anything remotely close to a proper seal for me, so it always sounded tinny and trebly. Foam pads ftw.

Glad you like them. I liked them too, they just hurt my ears a little. They're a little dark and intimate, but they have really impressive body to the sound for that type of headphone. I like the build quality too, and the way they fold up. They feel well built and sturdy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Lust Envy

If the make an X2 with removable pads, a smidge less mid bass, and more sub bass.... well, that will be one hell of a winner in my book. The X1 is easily the most consumer friendly headphone I have ever owned. The got the sound signature almost perfect for the masses, the comfort is top notch, and the price makes them a steal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fegefeuer

If they get this right with a X2 I'd instantly get one. It would be the most complete open headphone up into even higher price ranges.

Yeah, I think Philips surprised everyone with the X1. It's one impressive combination of traits in a headphone, and it's so close to being "perfect" at what it does that it deserves some TLC and a little bit of sonic tweaking to get it there (and definitely some removable and replaceable pads).